Hart slams understrength All Blacks trial

Former All Blacks coach John Hart says current coach Graham Henry could regret leaving his top rugby players out of next week's trial.

Henry has excused frontline Crusaders Super 12 players, and those in the New Zealand Maori squad, from the trial match in Napier.

Hart, who coached the All Blacks at the World Cup in 1999, said an under-strength trial would damage the home side's chances in the three-test series against the British and Irish Lions.

"I just can't see the rationale, if you want to prepare for the Lions tour, in having this sort of trial," Hart told Radio Sport today.

"It's a development trial, looking ahead. I'm afraid I wouldn't be looking much further ahead than the Lions.

"I'm very surprised the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the selectors haven't got a hard-nosed attitude to preparation for the Lions tour."

A host of likely All Blacks will miss the trial, including Crusaders Richie McCaw, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, Rico Gear and Aaron Mauger; and NZ Maori squad members Leon MacDonald, Marty Holah, Jonno Gibbes and Carl Hayman.

The Maori squad players will also be missing for the All Blacks' test against Fiji on June 10, meaning Henry won't have any buildup matches with his best side ahead of the first Lions test on June 25.

"I'm sure the selectors won't think they're underdone, but Fiji doesn't offer you the opposition you need," Hart said.

"In my time with the All Blacks I found the best game you could ever prepare for the Tri-Nations was to have a game against New Zealand A, because that was the toughest game you were ever likely to get other than a really good test match.

"I don't think you're talking underdone in terms of individual physical preparation, I think you're talking underdone in terms of collective, playing the game together and getting used to each other again.

"It doesn't just happen. I think a lot of people think we'll just pick up from where we left off against France.

"You've got to start again, rebuild and refocus and that takes time."

Hart said the biggest positive about next week's trial was the midfield battle, with Tana Umaga and Mils Muliaina opposing Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

Muliaina was a standout All Blacks fullback last year while Nonu starred on the wing for the Hurricanes this year, but has been told his All Blacks future is in the midfield.

"I would have liked to see him (Muliaina) play more at centre. He could be an outstanding centre," Hart said.

"You're seeing some very astute thinking in this trial, in terms of exposing a couple of players to alternative positions they may be considered in."

- NZPA